This has created an atmosphere crackling with anger towards journalists. We know that anger can often precipitate violence, as in the case of Rep. Gianforte (R-MT). He physically attacked a journalist and was immediately elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. He pled guilty (after smearing the journalist) and continues to serve as a congressman, even leading a communications workshop for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Since Trump shows no signs of mending his relationship with the press, Rep. Swalwell (D-CA) took the step of introducing legislation that would give federal recourse to press physically attacked by anyone. On CNN’s Reliable Sources, he said:

‘I’m afraid that many journalists will continue to come under attack, and I want to make sure that if it’s politically unpopular in a particular part of the country to prosecute someone who abuses a journalist that there’s a federal backstop.’

Trump’s green light to his supporters has enabled them to turn on the press. Just listen to the voices of Trump campaign rally attendees:

This is unprecedented in recent American politics. Katy Tur, a journalist and favorite target of Trump, described her experiences covering Trump rallies:

Now, standing up for anyone in the media could get you into trouble in certain parts of the country. Akin to prosecuting offenses against an African-American in the 1950s or 1960s, federal protections could be incredibly important to protect the vulnerable. And Rep. Swalwell is making sure that those protections will be enshrined in law.